Keep 'makerspace' center at library

When we moved to Arlington Heights with three small children, almost 45 years ago, we were content to pay higher taxes due to a reputation for good schools. For us, Olive, Thomas and Hersey, its library reputation, churches, a good hospital and doctors, general services, and good neighbors were everything we needed.

I remember how fast our library expanded and they kept adding more books and walls to include a fine electronic age facility.

And yes, the taxes kept going up as the village decided to have a new City Hall, more needed fire stations, a police department and the Metropolis.

But in the March 5 Daily Herald, it stated $2 million to $6 million could be spent within a few years in starting up a "makerspace" center for hands-on learning less than 2 miles away. We know sooner or later, that new, full-time and part-time personnel needed to run it - with benefit plans, vacations, etc. - will increase our taxes to a much higher degree.

We just have to walk to our Memorial Library and see the very large amount of underutilized space on the main floor. As you go to the 2nd floor, there are 14 small conference rooms that can accommodate up to 4-5 people each. There are also larger conference rooms and two large Hendrickson meeting areas each of which accommodates a few hundred people. Let's think this over carefully before we increase taxes when we could utilize space we already have.

After all, just a few months ago the Library forgave late fees for people who didn't have the integrity to return books they had checked out, much less pay late fees.

We're sure the people in Arlington Heights would like to keep buildings and facilities in good shape but not spend money for unnecessary expenses.

Agustin Garcia

Arlington Heights